The Obama administration hopes to have a V2V proposal put forth by 2017

Although we don’t have an exact date for when it will become mandatory, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology will inevitably be found on all new cars and trucks. V2V technology allows vehicles to not only wirelessly communicate with each other (broadcasting information such as position, speed, etc.), but also with their surroundings in order to reduce the number of traffic accidents and road fatalities/injuries.

"Vehicle-to-vehicle technology represents the next generation of auto safety improvements, building on the life-saving achievements we've already seen with safety belts and air bags," remarked U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx back in February. "By helping drivers avoid crashes, this technology will play a key role in improving the way people get where they need to go while ensuring that the U.S. remains the leader in the global automotive industry."

Now, President Barack Obama is throwing his weight behind V2V technology. In a speech delivered this morning at Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, President Obama stated that V2V technology could:

Reduce up to 80 percent of the 32,000 road deaths each year in America

Significantly reduce the 2 million non-fatal injuries

Save society $800 billion annually in costs

President Obama reminded audience members that he is not just the Commander-in-Chief, but he is also a father of two. “As the father of a daughter who just turned 16, any new technology that makes driving safer is important to me,” said Obama. “New technology that makes driving smarter is good for the economy.”

V2V technology has a number of backers, including major automakers like Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai-Kia, Toyota, Nissan, and Volkswagen. These automakers are working alongside the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute to research real-world applications of the technology and to provide guidance for legislation. In fact, the Obama administration hopes to reveal its proposal for a V2V mandate before the next administration takes office.

Vehicle-to-Vehicle technology would allow cars and trucks to communicate with each other wirelessly.

However, not everyone is onboard with V2V technology. The Detroit Newsreported back in March that it could add up to $3,000 to the cost of a new car by the year 2025. In addition, many feel that such technology should be optional instead of mandated (although that would significantly cut down on its effectiveness and the President’s goals for reducing fatalities).

Others point to the fact that many technologies already available in cars today like blind spot/lane departure monitors, frontal collision detection, and radar/laser cruise control systems (which in some instance can “drive” a vehicle during stop-and-go traffic) already do enough to help prevent accidents.